weighing in and when advances are helping or hindering our soldiers in combat. 10:00 p.m. eastern afterwards political scientist deborah stone argues and explained numerous ways figures impact our lives daily. data scientist looks at the history around the world. for more schedule information visit booktv.org. here is a presentation of the 2020 -- >> good evening. welcome to the turkish prize ceremony. i am coming to you live from the beautiful library in downtown austin texas. on a typical year this film would be -- this would be filled

publishers, agents and of course readers clamoring to meet their latest writers. you would be able to feel the nervous energy of the finalist and the champagne would be flowing. it is not what you may imagine when you think of literary award ceremonies. there is no formal banquet or assigned seating. it is a cocktail party. last year when they wrote about the award, they referred to it as a globe asked. tonight, we want to share that energy with you at home and give you a glimpse of what it is like to attend in person. our editor at large megan caught up with some of this year's finalists so we could connect with them as if we were all at a party together.

you can view the full conversations on kkus.com. here is a sneak peak. >> a typical year w would all be gathered for the ceremony, a cocktail party beforehand. mixing and mingling. i wanted to ask where could we find you as a finalist before the award ceremony? you can usually fin me by the many desserts table. [laughter] where uld we find due before the award ceremony? >> i attended the awards ceremony in 2018. i know the library has an amazing deckrea. that isretty much where i hung out that last time. it was ao close to the bar. [laughter] that is where youill find me.

>> what is the highest compliment a leader could face? >> one of the biggest compliments, it is aeird one. i like when readers tell me the very end of it they feel a little bit -- i like when they tell me the charaers felt like they were concerned and wt it looks like now and where they wereoing. where the characters feel like they are going along with the author. that for me, onef the biggest things that i love is when people sort of right to me and sayhere are they, how are they, what is going on with them? they ended on the very last page. for me, that is my favorite part. >> after that kirkus ceremony every year, i hold karaoke.

austin, texas. would you come to karaoke, yes or no? if you would what would you sing? >> absolutely. it would be something from the -- soundtrack. i have just got back into rollerskating. >> eric. >> i would be willing to sing, i do not think that you would want me to sing. i love chicago. later in the 60s, a big fan of billy joel. >> for me, you know, i have been fortunate to win this award before. because of that i think i recognize that this is one of the few awards that, to me at

least honors the integrity of the work. a couple years back i won for a book that did not sell. i thought that it was the best book i had ever written. just sort of the integrity of the work. that was a big deal for me. i think that i'm really grateful because the topic all the time in this country. it feels like they honor the work. a holistic view of it. the subject matter and what the viewing is in the writing of it. i am always honored. >> the kirkus recognizes remarkable achievement in

writing and illustration. that recognition comes in the form of one of the richest literary awards in the world. $50,000 in three categories, fiction, nonfiction and young readers literature. each winner is also awarded a trophy. it is commissioned art piece. every detail is handmade. from the porcelain pages of the open book to the hand blown glass down and solid base. we create these each year as a gift of appreciation to our industry. this year, perhaps more than any other, the contribution -- the days are dark. we need understanding. folks offer us brilliant

understanding. it gives us the opportunity to experience the world through another's eyes. one of the most powerful acts of empathy. when have we needed it more than this year. in conversation with the fiction finalist, a part of it not seen in the short preview year here tonight, there is a discussion of a complement. critic said her book will destroy you. he meant that as a good thing. to me, that phrase really captures the power of this art. 2020 has done a fine job of destroying us in real life. they have a way of cutting through our external reality and touching the exact feelings that need attention. when a book destroys us, grief

we feel in the abstract finds a channel. the writers we celebrate tonight give us all the feelings we share in 2020. loneliness, purpose, love, community and loss. a safe place to be felt and explored. last year our judges awarded the kirkus prizes who each went on to win the pulitzer prize. how we fight for our lives who made that night unforgettable. and new kid by jerry who went on to be the first to win the newberry. megan connected with them to hear about that experience. let's take a look. >> what was your experience that night like? >> total shock. you know, critically acclaimed.

i remember it was like -- you know, i was like, you know, just in case i win. i could do it on a little post-it note. before then it was just like a graphic novel. i got to the event and i was standing in the back with my editor. i was expecting to post, you know, here he is. when they called my name, it was

very surreal. >> one of my very favorite events. what was that like for you? >> it is pretty overwhelming. it happened to be about the book festival. halfway into the book to her. that also is kind of a surreal experience. kind of on one mode and then you are swept into the glamour and the glitz. do you want a glass of champagne and all of that. i want to ask you how you received the news. it was lovely to see this recognized. you know, it was awesome.

i was glad to be part of that process. started working and get paid. [inaudible] i finished my book and it worked out. hanging out with great people like you. it was cut short. i came back and spent time with them. then i went to see parasites.

i walked out with my phone. hey. you one. what? they were doing their best. you never know how it will turn out. you have ups and downs. other people don't appreciate it as much as you do. it has been memorable. i feel very fortunate. >> a congratulations or advice for this year's finalists. >> appreciate it and keep going. it is great confidence.

take it as the blessing that it is. >> in terms of advice for this year's winners, you have earned this joy. you have earned this joy. i think that it will be difficult to metabolize these career things. amidst everything, all the grief and pain that is happening, you can grant your self time to do karaoke in your living room or, you know, celebrate it. as these three writers can tell you, we really do not know what is on the other side. i want you to look back and have fond memories of the work you

did inspired by this prize. >> i love the advice to our finalists to metabolize this career miracle. i would like to share some data that illustrates just how hard it is to remain a finalist for the prize. the 2020 prize, our critics read 3308 fiction books. 2713 nonfiction books and 4524 books for young readers. that is a total of more than 10,000 books. less than .2% of the books we reviewed remained on our list of finalists for the kirkus prize. every year they created a panel

of judges of three categories. each panel is made up of one bookseller or librarian, one kirkus critic and one author. to be eligible for the prize, a book must first earn a star review. then they select six titles in each categories finalist and she is a winner. i want to welcome our finalists who are joining us live from around the world this evening. in america, london and as far as malaysia. our first award will be in the category of young leaders. the judges for the 2020 kirkus prize and young leaders literature our author -- librarian roxanne feldman and kirkus critic kyle. the finalist for this year's kirkus literature are -- critics

said every line is laced with betrayal and longing as the teen struggle with loving someone despite his imperfections. a standing ovation. i am every good thing by derek barnes illustrated by gordon c jane. laying the foundation for black leaders to go forth into the world filled with confidence and self assurance. the title says it all. fighting words by kimberly brubaker. the novel speaks with honesty out once heartbreaking and hopeful. the girl in the ghost. heart wrenching and it speaks to

deeper themes. a page there and turning tail. we are water protectors by carol lindstrom illustrated by kayla. an inspiring call to action for all that care about our planet. and stamped by jason reynolds. worthy of inclusion in every home and in curricula and libraries everywhere. impressive and much-needed. as you may have noticed, this category includes two picture books, two middle grade books and two young adult or teenage books. everyone is a triumph. congratulations to all the finalists. the winner of the 2020 kirkus prize for young leaders literature is i am every good

thing by derek barnes and gordon c jes. >> w. thank you. holy moly. [inaudible]

i am over here hugging people. i justanted to say thank you to everybody that readhe book. my son gabriel who was on the cover. can you say hi to everybody? >> hi, gabe. >> and myife for pting up with me. and my daughter who was not here and to my parents who have to always put so much behind me. i just want this book to be out there in the world so that our voice and all the people that love themnd don't even know them can know that they are important andorthy and valued. if they are not getng it at ho they will get this message through the book. if they are not getting it in th classroom they will get that

message through thi book. i am glad that derek wrote it and i got a chance to work on it >> i am glad that you went first. i am glad that you went first. jason, i am an emotion cat. [laughter] i just want to thank kirkus for alys showing us love. my wife just walked in the dr. she is a physian and sheoes covid testing twice a week. i am so proud of her. we have been together for 20 years. i used to sneak into her dorm room. writing poetry. i never thought that it wou lead to this oh, man. everybody's work. every single writer and illustrator in this category.

everybody that made it as a finalist, you are doing god's work. we need you right now. children that read your book. i always read about legacy and the work that we create. you will cree something. you are going to create something that mes people feel good about theelves. you will create something tt allows folks to see the humanity. i think that we did that with this book. i am so glad that we hooked up in 2016. i think that we will keep making books together, brother if you don't mind. thank you all so very much. thank you for making my week. let's go georgia, let'so arizona, let's go pennsylvania.

>> i wish ias there to meet you all in person. in person. wow. thank you. >> congratulations. you are now the first two time winners in the history of the kirkus prize. this was prepared from the statement from the judges about why they chose your book. >> every good thing illustrated by gordon. it is a beautiful celebration and possibilities. it expresses figures and roles of thoughtful philosophers.

not only a summation of identity, but a child that succeeded on his own terms. timeless artwork. [inaudible] >> now i would like to introduce the judges in the category of nonfiction. book seller nick and kirkus critic erica. the finalist for this year's prize in nonfiction are a serious guy. by rebecca. a thoughtful and ambitiously

crafted appeal with the preservation of marine mammals. the address book by deirdre a standout book of history and current affairs. world of wonders by amy. dividing with the marvel of being fully alive. by michael dennis l smith. provocative work that deserves the broadest possible audience. and cast. a memorable provocative book that exposes the american history in which few can take pride. to all of the finalist, we needed your voices this year. thank you for sharing your talent with us and congratulations to all of you.

the winner for nonfiction is. [inaudible] [laughter] wow. wow. i am genuinely so excited to be a finalist. it is such an honor. i don't expect to win anything. an honor to be a finalist. an amazing group of authors who are doing incredible work. thank you to the judges.

thank you to kirkus. $50,000 the day before my birthday. a lot of money i'm responsible with and i promise you i will not let you down. my editor, the best editor in the whole world. makes me a better writer. as much her award if not more so working so many yea and see me through so many iterations in my career. just a rock for me. workg so hard on everything. modell and lindsay. this book just does notxist

without any of them. it is such an honor. i was worried about this book. i did not know how it was going to be received. it kicked my writing it. it truly did. i am really proud of it. i just thought it will find its audience. it truly is an honor to have that work recognized. i cannot think the judges enough obviously, you know, the book

deals with a lot of issues. i hope people will sit with the ideas. going past the 2020 election. and that people are willing to sit with this. we ask better questions that are meaningful to people to have those questions circulating. to be able to do all the work that is necessary to make the country i think we want to live in. i cannot say thank you enough all my friends and those watching. much love to you. i guess i can go.

i can top this now. >> congratulations, michael. this statement was prepared by the judges about why they chose your book. >> life after the american dream in a tumultuous year charged with injustice, uncertainty and the distinct lack of leadership, the perfect call to action needed to push beyond 2020. michael dennis l smith razor-sharp manifesto, questioning the unexamined inequity for the individualist core of the concepts of the american dream. daring leaders to undo what racism, greed, state sanction

suffering have brought on our society. it is meticulously crafted and poignant. our excuse that we are the change we have been waiting for and our actions may be the only way to move toward a more progressive and inclusive future not a word wasted, smith delivers that. >> now for the final category of the night. here are the judges for the kirkus prize for fiction. author chang ray lee, bookseller veronica santiago and kirkus critic amy ryder. the finalist for the 2020 kirkus prize in fiction are, black

sunday by abraham, twin sisters cut a drift in a perilous world learn that only the wise survive, a formidable debut, the lying life of adult translated by and goldstein. a girl, the formula works again. lester by leilani. sharp, strange, propellant and a whole lot of fun. a rich deeply felt novel about family ties, immigration, sexual longing and desire. by james mcbride. an exuberant set to the music of

life. you will never forget scene by scene this book is a masterpiece congratulations to all the finalist beard he have touched so many people with your work this year. the winner of the 2020 prize for fiction is lester by raven leilani. >> oh my gosh. thank you. this is surreal. thank you so much. thank you. thank you, kirkus. this is wild to be in the company of such amazing writers. it really mean so much to me.

i want to think first, i want to thank my mom. this has been an interesting year for us. we have a lot of loss. i want you to know that you're the reason i have the nerve to do this. to try to write this book. to be as honest as i could. i really appreciate and thank my family for being the people that made art feel like a worthwhile thing. i appreciate all the mentors and friends that i have that push me and challenge me in this. when i felt it was going wrong and when i had to throw things away, it tends to always be, and

i appreciate everyone. trying to get the courage to do this thing. i really appreciate my people at fsc. thank you for helping me usher this book. and to the world. it has been the most surreal and most special first time around. i am just so thankful for this. thank you. this is a real surreal dream. thank you to the writers who lifted me up. this invisible work. it would not have been here if i did not have that support. thank you to everyone that supported this book. it is just wild. thank you.

>> congratulations, raven. you are officially the youngest writer to ever win the kirkus prize. this was from the judges as wider book was selected as this year's winner. >> by raven leilani. the novel takes off with a bang and never lets up. offering and exhilarating roller coaster ride. unpredictable twists and turns, dips and sores. the unapologetically bold black woman at the center, creating an unforgettable character whose agency is as seductive as urgency for which her unusual story unfolds. the author tackles race and gender, sex, class and power. a generous spirit and the kenai for details. bringing us an eye-opening novel

that is compassionate, dangerous and beautiful. it feels like a story that will span the test of time in the novel that we need right now. >> congratulations to all of tonight's winners. kirkus would not be possible without all the owners. thank you for your support and generosity. i would like to thank the judges and editors and staff. thank you also to the austin public library for sharing the space with us tonight and our production team. before we go i would like to take a moment to recognize that while tonight is a night for celebration, many in our community are still suffering from the effects of covid-19. please consider donating to

independent booksellers and employees battling economic hardship through the book industry charitable foundation. you can donate to the author fund which is providing assistance to writers who have experienced income loss due to covid-19. you can find links to these sources as well as a full conversation, last year's winners in this year finalists by finding the link on the bottom of your screen. thank you for joining us. good night. >> the seventh annual kirkus prize was awarded to michael dennis l smith. life after the american dream. he. on book tv in september to talk about the book. you can watch it online and search his name at the top of the page. >> here are some of the current

best-selling nonfiction books according to the bookstore in portland portland, oregon. topping the list promised land. reflecting on his life and political career. as elizabeth expiration of what she calls a system in the united states. indigenous people history of the united states in which roxanne ortiz examines the history of america through native american experience. after that robin suggests we should work with rather than shape the land we live on. some of the best-selling books. the best of me. a collection of stories and essays by david. some of these authors have. on book tv. you can watch them online apple tv.org. during the virtual event hosted in washington, d.c.,olitical

commentator scusses views on libertarianism andolitics. here is a portion of the program. >> every time you ask government to do sething, however lovely that thing seems to be, you are asking them to do it when a gun is pointed to the head of people that will pay for things that govement does beard one should always ask oneself, wou i, shoot my mother at gunpoint. let's hope we would not go as far shoot her,ut what i hold my mother at gunpoint to ask government to hold what i've asked for. i think that it is something thatould be privately done wiout any danger to my mom. bless her heart, she is no

longer with us. what i hold my m at gunpoint to save us from being overrun by nazis? yes, i might. it would be an extremely extremely bad thing. not to pay and i5 or deliver a packag to my post office box. >> a cry from the far middle. visit our website booktv.org and type the author name for book title into the search box to watch the rest of the program. >> good afternoon, everyone. if you have been with us for the previous sessions, welcome us back. if you're joining us for the very first time, welcome to the 2020 military writers symposium. we would like to welcome you to our cam